Breast Mates Newry meet Health Minister | Newry News

Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has commended the work of Breast Mates Newry following an important meeting held at Stormont with the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt.

Following the meeting, the Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson comments, “I was delighted to host the Breast Mates group at Stormont, where they met with the Health Minister to highlight the key issues affecting breast cancer patients throughout their journey.

“The Minister heard directly from those women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and the different experiences they have had.

“The huge pressures on our health service are well documented.

“However, it is important to recognise that cancer patients aren’t simply statistics waiting long times for treatment.

“They are people with families who love them, and in some cases, the consequences for them all can be life-changing.

“The women praised the fantastic staff in the Southern Trust who have supported them from referral, to diagnosis, through treatment.

“They emphasised, however, the need for more resources and a concerted effort to reduce waiting times for red flag referrals and surgeries.

“It has been an honour for me to work with this group of inspirational women.

“Despite only forming just over a year ago, by founding members Ann O’Brien, Diane Preece, and Catrina McBride, they now support over 150 women from across the Southern Trust area.

“It is now a vital source of support for breast cancer patients and their families.

“The Minister heard the very raw and difficult realities of a breast cancer diagnosis.

“I am very encouraged that he and his team have listened to the women and will endeavour to address the very critical need for early diagnosis, reduced surgery waiting times, and aftercare when treatment ends.

“I look forward to continuing to work with both the Minister and Breast Mates who not only support all the women in their group, but advocate on behalf of current and future breast cancer patients for a more efficient and effective service, which will undoubtedly save lives in the long run.”

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Posted by NewryTimes News on Jul 31 2024. Filed under Community, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry